Blue Jays Legend Passes
Former Blue Jays World Series star Duane Ward dies at 62, shocking teammates and fans.
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Duane Ward, one of the greatest relief pitchers in Toronto Blue Jays history, has died at the age of 62 from natural causes, according to NY Post. Ward passed away after flying to Toronto to take part in a statue unveiling ceremony, leaving his former teammates in shock.
Ward was a cornerstone of the Blue Jays' back-to-back World Series championship teams in 1992 and 1993. He saved 45 games in 1993 — still the most in franchise history. His sudden death has stunned the baseball world, Calgary Herald reported.
Tom Henke Learns His Riding Partner Is Gone
Former teammate Tom Henke was among the first to express shock at Ward's death. The two were set to ride together in a parade of Blue Jays pickup trucks as part of the statue unveiling event, according to The Whig. Instead, Henke found himself grieving the loss of a man he had just expected to see.
Henke and Ward were not the closest of friends off the field. But on it, they were fierce competitors for saves and playing time, Ottawa Citizen noted. That competitive bond made them inseparable in Blue Jays lore. "I can't believe he's gone," Henke said of his former battery partner.
Ward's 45 Saves in 1993 Remain a Franchise Record
Ward's impact on the Blue Jays was undeniable. He played a key role in both the 1992 and 1993 World Series titles. His 45 saves in the 1993 season stand as the most ever recorded by a Jays pitcher, according to NY Post.
Ward spent the heart of his career in Toronto, building one of the best closer résumés in club history. A closer is a relief pitcher who finishes games and protects leads. Few did it better in a Blue Jays uniform than Ward did during those championship years, LF Press reported.
Ward Died Just Before a Celebration of His Legacy
The timing made the loss even harder to process. Ward had traveled to Toronto specifically for a statue unveiling — an event meant to honor the championship era he helped create. He died from natural causes before he could take part, NY Post reported.
Manager Cito Gaston and other members of the championship teams were also present for the event, according to The Whig. The ceremony, meant to be a celebration, turned into a moment of mourning. Ward was 62 years old.
Blue Jays Fans Mourn a Champion Who Never Got His Due
Ward never quite got the recognition he deserved during his playing days. He worked in the shadow of Henke for years before taking over as the full-time closer. But his numbers told the story clearly. He was elite, Edmonton Sun reported.
The Blue Jays franchise and its fans now face the loss of one of their true champions. Ward helped deliver two of the most celebrated titles in Canadian sports history. His death at 62, just as he was being honored, has left a deep mark on all who knew him, Sault Star noted.
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